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I need to keep telling myself she’s just a family friend. I’m simply enjoying her company because she’s nice, smart, and has all these grand plans and dreams, not to mention how beautiful she is. Nothing more. Ugh, I need to pack and get out of here.

On my way to my room, I make a mental note to let Mario know that he needs to have a security detail taking care of her this weekend.

She’s my responsibility, after all.

Chapter 5

Isabella Bianchi

Iwake up energized and rested but without a real plan in mind. Instead of getting up and looking for sustenance, I decide to stay in bed for a little longer; it’s the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. It’s plush and soft, and the mattress is firm but not too firm. Ah, I love it. I’ll have to get a bed just like this when I go back to Santiago.

Once I finally get up, I make my way to the kitchen. I stand still for a few seconds, unable to believe what’s on the counter. It’s a beautiful flower arrangement with peonies, roses, and carnations in all shades of pink, yellow, orange, and white. There are also little pink flowers that, after some Googling, I learn are called bleeding hearts. There must be at least two hundred flowers in total. It almost takes up the entire kitchen island—it’s stunning. There’s a note attached to it, and the paper has golden flowers engraved on it, and it smells just like the flowers.

Principessa,

I hope you enjoy your first weekend in Bologna. I’ve left a security detail outside the building, ready to take you wherever you need to go.

Gabo.

Interesting. He called me principessa again. I wonder where he got that nickname from? And a security detail? Why would I need a bodyguard? No one knows me in this city—I’m a simple girl who’s here for the summer. Nothing more.

When I walk into the fridge to see what I can prepare, there are so many containers— it’s incredible. When did he have time to plan all this? I didn’t even hear him leave this morning. I get out a couple of containers with cut fruit and Greek yogurt. Then I find nuts and honey in the chef’s pantry and decide to get a picture to send to Gabo, thanking him for the flowers.

I get his contact card from my purse and send him a text along with the picture:

Isabella: These are the most gorgeous flowers I’ve ever received. I love them. Gracias! I’ll see you in a few days.

I eat my breakfast while browsing social media, but after a couple of spoonfuls, I decide to FaceTime Karina. I’d rather check in with her than with Luca.

When the video connects, I see she’s working in the greenhouse. I’m so glad I’m missing the cold ass winter back in Chile.

“Hey, Isa. How’s it going?” Karina asks with a big smile on her face as she wipes her forehead. I guess the greenhouse is warm.

“Good. Great, even. Yesterday, I went to see the campus, and it’s out of this world! I even met a classmate.” I stop talking so I can breathe, and Karina chuckles at my excitement.

“That’s awesome. I’m glad you’re loving it so far. How are things with my brother?” Karina asks nonchalantly, but I can see her smirk. She’s dying to know if there’s any tea.

“Everything is good. We had a nice dinner the night I arrived, and this morning, he left for Ibiza with Vicente.” Karina’s eyes grow big, but she doesn’t say anything immediately. After a couple of minutes, she finally speaks.

“Interesting. I wonder why he had to go out of town.”

I lift my shoulder as if to say, “I have no clue.” But then I decide to ask what I’ve been dying to know.

“So he left me a note this morning saying there’s a security detail outside waiting for me. What’s up with that?”

Karina frowns in confusion. “Isa, do you realize my brother is a billionaire? You’re staying at his place, so you need to stay safe.”

“All this billionaire talk is a little crazy to me. Last week, I learned that my brothers are billionaires, and now I’m staying with a billionaire. I mean, I knew our families had money but billionaires?” Karina chuckles as I move my hands around, as if to say, “What the actual hell?”

“The fact that you’ve never seen security here in Chile doesn’t mean we don’t have it. The moment you moved to Santiago for college, your brother hired a company to keep you safe.”

My jaw hits the floor; I feel so dumb and little. How is it possible I’ve had someone following me for the past four years, and I never noticed?

“But why didn’t anyone tell me?” I say, my jaw clenched. “I might be the young one in the family, but I’m not stupid, you know?” Tears start pooling in my eyes, but I take a few deep breaths to keep them at bay.

“Oh, Isa. Please don’t be upset. Your brothers were just trying to protect you,” Karina says in a soft tone, and it only makes me angrier. I love my sister-in-law, but she’s not gentle. She’s strong and determined and never minces words. Right now, I feel like she’s trying to calm me down, but it’s having the opposite effect.

“You know what? You’re right. You all always do what’s best for me. Talk later.” Without waiting for her to say goodbye, I disconnect the video and get ready. I’m going out, and I’m going to do whatever the fuck I want. I’m not a baby who needs to be protected from anything.

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